Publications
Partners
When you’re a parent, you need all the help you can get especially during this time. Podcasts are a great way to get advice and tips from experts and the best thing is you can soak it all up while you’re on the go, whether you’re driving, exercising or cleaning the house. There are thousands of podcasts out there, so knowing where to start can be confusing.
Here’s a selection of ones that give practical advice – for younger kids, teens and special-needs kids. Plug in and have a listen.
Unruffled
Host Janet Lansbury is a parenting expert and the author of two books on babies and toddlers, so this podcast is like having a personal parenting coach. Her approach focuses on acceptance of their emotions and development, while still setting firm parental limits. She also interviews a variety of other experts.
The advice is practical and specific to common problems faced by parents of toddlers, such as meltdowns, verbal outbursts, disruptive behaviour and children who constantly interrupt and demand your attention. Episodes are from 15 to 30 minutes long.
Available on iTunes, Google Podcasts and other podcast players supported by iOS or Android devices.
What fresh hell
If you’d prefer to hear from other ordinary parents, this podcast is for you. The title says it all: this is about laughing in the face of the chaos that comes with motherhood. Hosts Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables are stand-up comedians and each has three kids. The podcast is basically them talking about the parenting woes they deal with every day.
The difference in their parenting styles is what makes this interesting. Margaret is a laid-back mom while Amy “never met an expert or a list she didn’t like”. Episodes are between 45 and 55 minutes long. There are also five-minute Ask Margaret episodes in which she answers a listener’s question.
Available on iTunes, Google Podcasts and other podcast players supported by iOS or Android devices
Talking to teens
As every parent of a teenager knows, the strategies you used when your kids were younger often don’t work once they hit puberty. This podcast is about “the art and science” of parenting teens.
Host Andy Earle, a researcher of the psychology of parent-teen relationships, speaks to experts on topics such as making a meaningful connection with your teen, risky behaviour, and body changes. Episodes are 20 to 25 minutes long.
Available on iTunes, Google Podcasts, and other podcast players supported by iOS or Android devices
Celebrate Calm
Founder Kirk Martin offers a practical approach to dealing with strongwilled kids who don’t respond to consequences. His strategies are based on working with more than 1 500 “challenging” kids, many of whom have ADHD, OCD and Aspergers. Kirk speaks from personal experience with his son Casey – a co-presenter on some of the episodes, which are between 15 and 35 minutes.
Available on iTunes, Google Podcasts and other podcast players supported by iOS or Android devices.
ADDITUDE (ADHD experts)
This podcast is a great resource for parents of kids with ADD and ADHD. Experts discuss everything related to the condition – symptoms, medication, school performance, homework, family life and more. The downside is the sound quality isn’t consistent as this podcast is a recording of a webinar series. Episodes are between 50 and 60 minutes.
Available on iTunes, Google Podcasts and other podcast players supported by iOS or Android devices.
